Navy Players Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson Drafted in 7th Round

Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson from the Naval Academy were chosen in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Heidenreich was picked 230th by the Steelers, and Robinson was selected 226th by the Bengals.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

The 2026 NFL Draft concluded with two players from the Naval Academy, running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich and defensive tackle Landon Robinson, hearing their names called in the seventh round. Heidenreich was selected by his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th overall pick. Shortly after, Robinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals at pick number 226.

Heidenreich, a versatile offensive weapon for the Midshipmen, showcased a blend of rushing and receiving prowess throughout his collegiate career. In his senior season, he accumulated 499 rushing yards and 1,330 receiving yards, alongside six receiving touchdowns. He stands as Navy's all-time leader in receiving yards with 1,994. Despite being graded by some as a fifth-round prospect, Heidenreich's athleticism and ability to run a varied route tree were noted. His selection by the Steelers marks a homecoming for the Pittsburgh native.

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Robinson, a defensive tackle, finished his time at Navy with 153 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks across 38 games. Scouts highlighted his upper-body strength and quickness off the snap. Despite his collegiate production, his size was considered a potential limiting factor, though some analysts saw him as a potential "seventh-round gem." His selection by the Bengals adds depth to their defensive line.

Background on the Draft and Naval Academy Players

The 2026 NFL Draft saw a total of 257 players selected across seven rounds, with teams filling out their rosters for the upcoming season. Both Heidenreich and Robinson represent the culmination of years of dedication at the Naval Academy, navigating a demanding academic and athletic regimen. Their selection underscores the continued pipeline of talent emerging from collegiate football programs into the professional ranks, even from less traditional NFL development paths.

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Other notable players mentioned in draft discussions included American Conference prospects like offensive tackles Travis Burke and Chris Adams from Memphis, running back Robert Henry Jr. from UTSA, and wide receiver Anthony Smith from East Carolina. Their collegiate performances and combine measurements were part of the broader landscape of talent evaluated by NFL teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Navy players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft and by which teams?
Running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th pick, and defensive tackle Landon Robinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals at pick 226. Both were selected in the seventh round.
Q: What are the stats for Eli Heidenreich from his time at Navy?
Eli Heidenreich had 499 rushing yards and 1,330 receiving yards in his senior season, with six receiving touchdowns. He is Navy's all-time leader in receiving yards with 1,994.
Q: What are the stats for Landon Robinson from his time at Navy?
Landon Robinson finished his Navy career with 153 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks in 38 games.
Q: Why is it significant that these Navy players were drafted?
Their selection shows that talent from the Naval Academy can make it to the professional NFL level, even though it's a demanding academic and athletic path. It adds depth to the Steelers and Bengals defensive and offensive lines.